Hoya carnosa, the porcelainflower or wax plant, is an Asclepiad species of flowering plant in the dogbane family Apocynaceae. It is one of the many species of hoya that are native to Eastern Asia and Australia. It is a common house plant grown for its attractive waxy foliage, and sweetly scented flowers
This Hoya species prefers bright light, but will tolerate much less. Though it will tolerate low temperatures (but not freezing),[1] the optimal temperature is 60–85 °F (16–29 °C). It can be propagated by air layering or by stem cuttings.[4] It benefits from an open potting medium that allows some air to get to the roots. Typical mixes include large-grade drainage material such as perlite, pumice, or ceramic balls. The plants should be fed regularly with a fertilizer suitable for epiphytic plants.
General Tips
- Never cut the long tendrils! Leaves and flower clusters develop from
- Propagate Hoya plants from stem cuttings or by air layering.
- Hoyas don’t mind being a bit root bound. Keep in the same pot for years, but remember to fertilize throughout spring and summer.
- All Hoyas need to be potted in planters with drainage. These plants are very sensitive to too much water, so be sure to use a well draining soil with plenty of pumice and/or perlite.